The remark of the men of Judah, We have come down to bind you
recalls the words of the Philistines in Judges 15:10. This emulation of the enemy makes one wonder who Samson’s real enemies are. Furthermore, as the Philistines had killed their own for aggravating Samson (Judges 15:6), so also the Israelites betray one of their own (to death) for aggravating the Philistines. This well and truly all makes the Israelites now no different from the surrounding nations; their Canaanization is now complete!1
12 And they said to him, “We have come down to bind you, that we may give you into the hands of the Philistines.” And Samson said to them, “Swear to me that you will not attack me yourselves.”